Atlantic Coast K-9 Training Service
Service area: Serves Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, including Charlottesville, Stanardsville, and surrounding areas within a 2-hour radius of the nation’s capital.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Recall
- behavior
- Separation Anxiety
- Reactivity / Aggression
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- In-Home
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Training is offered in structured packages: Silver (6 weeks, basic on-leash commands), Gold (8 weeks, advanced on/off-leash), and Ultimate (12 weeks, intensive advanced obedience including off-leash heeling, drop on recall, and out-of-sight stays). Board and Train options mirror these packages with daily training by Ralph Smith. All programs include personalized instruction, focus-building exercises, and behavior modification. Clients receive guidance on reinforcing training at home.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Training packages range from $500 (Silver Basic Obedience) to $1,100 (Ultimate Advanced Obedience) for private facility-based lessons. Board and Train programs cost $1,600 for 3 weeks (Silver) and $2,200 for 4 weeks (Gold). All training supplies included. Prices may increase for in-home or off-site training. Custom packages available upon request.
Testimonials
Blown away by the results of this training program. Although we saw some progress working with a few different trainers previously, this was by far the most effective. Ralph is a true expert–not only is he a skilled and knowledgeable trainer, but he was able to adapt to both of our dogs’ unique personalities and learning styles to give them the customized attention they needed. We started with the silver package for both dogs and ended up adding on more time and training for one of our dogs based off the significant progress she had made (Ralph even offered to continue working on the basics for our other dog free of charge!). He was very communicative along the way and gave us confidence that our dogs were in great hands. The safety and wellbeing of our pups is the top priority and it was a huge relief knowing that they formed a strong bond with Ralph and were enjoying their time with him (both were clearly sad to leave!). Ralph spent lots of time with us at pick up, ensuring that we understood all of the new techniques and commands to reinforce the training at home. We are so grateful for this experience and highly recommend Ralph and Atlantic Coast K9 for any breed and any training need!
– Client
I wanted 1:1 training for my dog Graham that gave us both the knowledge and confidence to be in public and enjoy life together. We got that with Ralph at Atlantic Coast K9! Ralph frequently adapted his training techniques to support my dog individually and that is the beauty of 1:1 dog training. We started with the silver package and then upgraded to the gold (off leash). I do think the off leash portion could be longer to include real life practice, but that’s nit picky, as we were able to figure it out on our own. Ralph runs a tight ship, but he can train a dog very well and it’s absolutely worth the investment!
– Client
We adopted two rescue beagles… we opted for the board and train packages for both dogs… our girls are confident and fully settled at home post-training… Ralph got our girls to be the best version of themselves and that’s more than we could have hoped for them. We still wanted them to be dogs, but have the structure they needed to be confident and comfortable in our home and out in public, and that’s exactly what we got.
– Client
About the Trainer
Atlantic Coast K-9 Training Service is a professional dog training business based in Stanardsville, Virginia, serving clients across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Founded in 1999 by Ralph Smith, a nationally recognized trainer with over 30 years of experience, the business offers personalized, one-on-one training using a balanced approach that combines discipline and positive reinforcement to channel a dog’s natural drive. Services include Basic and Advanced Obedience, Puppy Training, Board and Train programs, Schutzhund/IPO, Personal Protection, Behavior Counseling, and specialized training for Service Dogs, Detection, Search and Rescue, and Show Dogs. Ralph personally trains every dog, ensuring high-quality, customized instruction. The business provides training at their facility, in clients’ homes, or at various locations throughout the service area. They offer a 100% guarantee on results and are known for transforming dogs from average to highly obedient companions.
Their Board and Train programs allow busy owners to have their dogs professionally trained for 3–4 weeks with daily sessions led by Ralph Smith. Training packages are structured as Silver (Basic), Gold (Advanced On/Off Leash), and Ultimate (12-week intensive), with pricing starting at $500 for private lessons and up to $2,200 for Board and Train. All training supplies, including collars and leads, are provided at no extra cost. The business emphasizes building a strong bond between dog and owner, ensuring long-term success and confidence in public settings.
Accomplishments
Founded in 1999, Atlantic Coast K-9 has trained nearly 9,000 dogs. Owner Ralph Smith has over 30 years of experience, competes nationally in dog sports, and has won Best of Charlottesville for 7 consecutive years. He is recognized as one of the top trainers in the United States.
How to Get Started!
Client engagement begins with a free initial consultation to assess the dog’s needs and determine the appropriate training program. Clients can schedule a consultation by phone or email, after which training can begin at the facility, home, or via board and train options.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
8am-9pm
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
Location
257 Whitewood Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901Listing Tools for Trainers
For Atlantic Coast K-9 Training Service Only
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